Softball Challenge takes walk on the mild side

PAT McCANN News Herald Executive Sports Editor

Thursday

Mar 1, 2018 at 10:03 PMMar 1, 2018 at 10:03 PM

PANAMA CITY BEACH — The Florida-USA Softball Challenge has experienced various titles during its eight years, and more importantly otherworldly weather in past springs that has at times threatened its annual run.

But with mild conditions the rule thus far this early season, 30 high school softball teams will convene at Frank Brown Park for 60 games in two days starting Friday afternoon.

All schools are guaranteed four games, and there will be an overall champion crowned early Saturday evening based on tournament won-loss records and tiebreakers beginning with total runs allowed.

However, the intent of the tournament isn’t to bring home a trophy as much as it is to gather some experience for the meat of the remaining schedule.

"Most get in here not to win the tournament but to see other types of competition with different kinds of pitching," said head coach Rick Green of host Arnold. "We’ll have some pitchers in the 60s (mph) and others in the 50s that can really spin it.

"So they get to see how they stack up with other teams in the state, and see what they need to do to get to that level, also."

The event attracts a strong commitment from Panhandle schools, including those in the Pensacola, Fort Walton Beach and Tallahassee areas. Defending overall champion Daphne, Ala., is back and first-time participants from South Florida, Archbishop McCarthy and Belleview have perennially strong programs.

Green added that the tournament is especially beneficial to some Class 1A schools with aspirations for a deep playoff runs such as Wewahitchka, Sneads, Franklin County and for the first time Paxton.

"There really are no give-me games in this thing," Green said. "We try to put people together with where everybody thinks they’re at."

All games will be played at Frank Brown Park on one of nine softball fields available. Every school plays twice Friday and twice on Saturday. The opening games begin Friday at 2 p.m.

Admission is $10 for an all-day pass each day or a $15 tournament pass will go on sale Friday at each gate starting about noon.

Hoodies and umbrellas aren’t expected to be the main items of apparel and accessories as they have in past tournaments.